More drama in store for Thick Of It

The new series of The Thick Of It is "in the can", creator Armando Iannucci has revealed.

The hit BBC political satire is returning to screens with a different Government to reflect the real-life changes in Westminster since series three in 2009.

Armando said: "We've just finished filming, it's all in the can. There's a new Government, it's in coalition, our previous cast are in opposition and we go backwards and forwards between the two.

"There's more of a story arc to it now, even though each episode is self-contained, and in the last three episodes everything comes together."

Meanwhile, the 48-year-old is also making waves in the US with his new political comedy Veep, starring former Seinfeld actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Vice President Selina Meyer.

Armando said of the good reviews: "When you're making it, all you can do is try and make sure you think it's funny and you're happy with it. Once it goes out [on air], it has a life of its own and how people react to it is their privilege. Obviously it's nice if it gets responses that you'd like to have!"

He added: "You don't need a politics degree or American citizenship to watch. It boils down to relationships - it's basically half a dozen people put under intense pressure.

"I was a big fan of the West Wing, and sometimes I wouldn't know what it was they were talking about, but all I needed to know was that Josh liked the idea, CJ didn't like the idea, and that Bartlett was angry about something. And then the drama kind of played itself out."

:: Veep starts on Sky Atlantic on Monday, June 25.